By Edzorna Francis Mensah
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Majority in parliament is worried over reports of alleged attacks on its members following their significant losses in the December 7, 2024, parliamentary and presidential elections.
They say since December 8, state properties, including some of members of their party, have become a target for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), members.
“Moreover, we have become aware of multiple instances in which Government officials have faced threats to their lives and, in some cases, suffered attacks on their properties. On December 9, 2024, Hon. Ursula Owusu Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation had her office and residence vandalised by a group of about 15 NDC thugs.”
At a news conference in parliament, the Deputy Majority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, mentioned that this attack has resulted in the theft of a pickup truck, three motorbikes, a television, and other valuables belonging to Ursula Owusu Ekuful.
According to her, “This situation is extremely disturbing, as it has instilled fear in our public servants, deterring them from effectively performing their duties and destabilising our governance structures. We must stress that physical harm, intimidation, and threats have no place in the free exercise of political rights.”
The NPP caucus in Parliament also alleged that former National Security Minister, Kofi Totobi Quakyi and former National Security Coordinator, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey are behind recent acts of post-election violence involving suspected thugs linked to the NDC.
Below of the full statement:
4th January, 2025
PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE MAJORITY CAUCUS
- Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the media. We have called this press conference to bring to the attention of the entire nation some actions of NDC thugs that have marred the peaceful elections and the intention of these NDC thugs who are sponsored by the leadership of the NDC to cause mayhem and further violence against appointees of the NPP Government.
- The NPP Government stayed true to its promise to the Ghanaian people and ensured a peaceful election.
- The Majority Caucus has noted with grave concern the unsettling incidents of violence, thuggery, and intimidation reported across various parts of the country.
- Our flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, graciously conceded defeat within 14 hours of the polls closing, even before the official declaration from the Electoral Commission. This singular act of true leadership and statesmanship is the reason we continue to enjoy the peace we have as a country today. Unfortunately, the NDC took this as an opportunity to engage in acts of violence and lawlessness, undermining the very stability we all seek to protect.
- It is a fact that several constituencies witnessed acts of brutality and violence on election day. These included physical assaults on voters, attempts to disrupt the voting process, and harassment of election officials. For instance,
· In Damongo, NDC thugs set the Electoral Commission office ablaze
· In Tepa, the Electoral Commission office was torched in an act of arson by NDC thugs.
· In Nyankpala, NDC thugs vandalised a vehicle belonging to the NPP Regional organiser, damaging the side mirror and windscreen in an unprovoked attack and also blocking the road from Tamale to the Tolon Constituency..
· At the Techiman South collation center, NDC thugs set fire to pink sheets, destroying electoral documents
· The Ayensuano District Electoral office suffered a similar fate, with arson carried out by NDC thugs, resulting in the complete destruction of electoral materials.
- Moreover, we have become aware of multiple instances in which Government officials have faced threats to their lives and, in some cases, suffered attacks on their properties. On December 9, 2024, Hon. Ursula Owusu Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation had her office and residence vandalized by a group of about 15 NDC thugs. This resulted in the theft of a pickup truck, three motorbikes, a television, and other valuables.
- This situation is extremely disturbing, as it has instilled fear in our public servants, deterring them from effectively performing their duties, and destabilize our governance structures. We must stress that physical harm, intimidation, and threats have no place in the free exercise of political rights.
- In addition to these troubling developments, we have received reliable intelligence indicating that these acts of violence and thuggery are being orchestrated by certain key elements of the NDC leadership. Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi and Col Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (rtd) are the key leaders of the NDC who are behind these NDC thugs and inspiring to unleash violence on innocent Ghanaians.
- Even more troubling is information suggesting plans to intensify these violent acts immediately after the swearing-in of President-Elect John Dramani Mahama. These raise serious national security concerns about the safety of public officials and the citizenry as a whole. We therefore call on all Ghanaians to be vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious or violent activity to the police and other relevant security agencies. Violence should never be part of our political discourse.
- The NDC should note that it has won elections to govern and not to disturb the peace of Ghana. Focus on governance, leave NPP alone.
- We wish to remind the President-Elect that his electoral mandate was given for him to formulate policies for the development of this country and not as an endorsement of chaos and lawlessness. We urge him to direct his focus toward the policies he intends to implement in the interest of national progress and how he plans to address the most pressing issues facing our nation.
- In light of these serious matters, we call upon the Ghana Police Service and all other security agencies to remain on full alert, act with professionalism, and ensure that no one is considered above the law. Individuals or groups perpetrating violence must be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice, regardless of their political affiliations or perceived status in society. The safety and security of every Ghanaian must be prioritised and no individual or group should be allowed to undermine the peace and stability of this country.
- We want to assure the good people of Ghana that this Government remains committed to peace, dialogue, and the strengthening of our democratic institutions. The Government has already put measures in place to ensure a smooth transition of power come January 7th.
- We stand prepared to work with all stakeholders, including the NDC, civil society, and traditional leaders, to safeguard the peace and stability that have been the bedrock of our political system. We implore all Ghanaians to join us in rejecting violence and upholding the principles of democracy, tolerance, and mutual respect.
- Thank you for your attention. May God bless our homeland Ghana, and may we continue to thrive in unity and peace.
